Media Advisory
Contact: Jerry Jimenez – (408) 678-3391
Workers to occupy county supervisor offices
SAN JOSE, Calif. – About 200 frustrated home care workers and their clients will occupy the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors’ offices today in response to drawn out negotiations that are leaving workers in economic uncertainty.
Home care workers earn 17 percent below the self-sufficiency wage for people living in San Jose, or even less, and are seeking a contract to achieve some independence. It doesn’t help that the county has habitually canceled negotiation sessions; ignored workers’ proposals; and failed to provide requested information.
Today workers will stage a sit-in to draw attention to their economic struggle and lack of progress.
“Many of us are living paycheck to paycheck,” said Yong Soung, SEIU home care chapter chair and incoming vice president. “It is difficult for us to pay for groceries, medications, and transportation. We are one paycheck away from missing our rent. We want the county to work with us on reaching a fair contract instead of creating barriers to independence.”
DETAILS:
WHAT: Santa Clara County home care workers occupy county supervisor offices
WHEN: TODAY, Feb. 25, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: 70 W. Hedding St., 10th floor, San Jose
VISUALS: Home care workers and clients with signs, whistles, clappers. Workers chanting and singing songs.
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The Service Employees International Union is an organization of 2.1 million members united by the belief in the dignity and worth of workers and the services they provide. SEIU is dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families and creating a more just and humane society. For more information, visit www.seiu521.org
